windows audio issues

Question

My laptop won't play sounds from my apps, like Zoom or Teams. If it's a conference page or if people are speaking i can't hear them. The speakers test like they work just fine. It is only when I'm on the web that they won't play

Moved from <Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams for business | Meetings and calls | Audio and video>

Answer 1

Hi Thelma Locke,

I get how frustrating it is when audio is not working, especially with work/school applications like Zoom and Teams. Since the speaker test works, this is more likely to be an app/browser-specific audio setting.

Just wondering, have you tried the steps suggested by the AI answer yet, and if so, what was the result? While waiting for more information, here’s a few other things you can also try:

1 - Check whether Windows is treating your device as a communications device

• Press Win + R > type mmsys.cpl > press Enter
• Open Communications tab > select Do nothing
• Click Apply and test Teams / Zoom sounds again.

2 - Check the audio device selected inside the application

• In Teams > three-dot > Settings > Devices:
  • Check Audio settings > Speaker > confirm the correct one is selected.
  • If not, open the dropdown and choose your speaker.
• Open Zoom and do the same to confirm the correct speaker is selected.

3 - Check system audio permission (less likely)

• Open Windows Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions
• Click Phone calls > make sure Let app make phone calls is ON.

Also, since you mentioned both app and web in your question, can you clarify if this happens in both the Teams/Zoom desktop apps and web browser? If it’s only on application, can you test with web calls? And what version of Windows are you using?

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Answer 2

Use the Windows audio troubleshooting steps to focus on app-specific sound (Zoom, Teams, browser) rather than the speakers themselves, since the speaker test works.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check the output device in Windows
   • Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
   • Select the arrow next to the volume slider to open the list of audio devices.
   • Make sure the correct device (your laptop speakers or desired headset) is selected, not a disconnected HDMI/monitor or Bluetooth device.
2. Check Volume mixer for app volumes
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   • Select Volume mixer.
   • Ensure the volume slider is turned up for:
     • System
     • The affected apps (Zoom, Teams, browser)
   • Make sure those apps are not muted.
3. Check sound settings and default device (Windows 10/11)
   • Right-click the Speakers icon on the taskbar and select Open Volume mixer; confirm nothing is muted.
   • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   • Under Output, select your laptop speakers and then Device properties.
   • Make sure the device is not disabled (the Disable checkbox must be cleared).
   • If using USB or HDMI audio, open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound, go to the Playback tab, right-click your desired device, and select Set as Default Device.
4. Turn off audio enhancements
   • For Windows 11:
     • Start > Settings > System > Sound.
     • Under Output, select your audio device.
     • Scroll to Advanced settings / Audio enhancements and set Audio enhancements to Off.
   • For Windows 10:
     • Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
     • On the Playback tab, right-click your default device > Properties.
     • On the Enhancements tab, select Disable all enhancements (or Disable all sound effects) and select OK.
5. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
   • Windows 11:
     • Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
     • In the Audio section, select Run and follow the prompts.
   • Windows 10:
     • Start > Settings > Update & security > Troubleshoot.
     • Under Find and fix problems, select Playing audio > Run the troubleshooter.
6. Update or reinstall audio drivers
   • Open Device Manager (search for “device manager” from Start).
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Intel, or similar) and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
   • If issues persist, right-click the device again, select Uninstall device, confirm, then restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the driver.

If app audio still fails while tests work, repeat the Volume mixer check while a Zoom/Teams meeting is actually running, to ensure those specific app sliders are not muted or set to 0.

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References:

• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
• Fix low or quiet sound in Windows
• No audio with Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A
• Logitech G560 Speakers detect audio (volume bar moves) but no sound comes out - Microsoft Q&A
• cannot increase volume even if trouble shooter updates it - Microsoft Q&A